But even though he was on sedatives, he was sharp enough to ask for a lawyer.

“Given his medical condition that’s the smart move,” said his civilian lawyer, retired colonel John P. Galligan, who was hired by his family.

“Nobody from law enforcement will be questioning him.”

Last night, he had a bedside meeting with Galligan and Fort Hood’s senior defense attorney, Maj. Christopher Martin.

“It’s best to say we’re just going to protect all of his rights,” said Galligan, who was defense lawyer at the court-martial of a soldier convicted of beating an Afghan detainee to death in 2005. Galligan helped get him off with no jail time.

Galligan also questioned whether Hasan could get a fair court-martial.